Portugal seeking reconciliation with Cristiano Ronaldo and a farewell match

Portugal are trying to repair relations with Cristiano Ronaldo and arrange a farewell or retirement match after he unexpectedly left the national team’s training camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation has publicly rejected reports that he has retired and says he remains eligible to return.

The split traces back to Ronaldo being an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 away win over Norway, which followed a 1-0 home victory against Wales in which he played the first 67 minutes. Tensions reportedly centred on his reduced role and communication about starting lineups. Jorge Jesus, who succeeded Roberto Martinez as Portugal coach ahead of the Nations League campaign, previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

FPF officials have denied rumours of a sudden international retirement or a ban and are planning to meet with Ronaldo to resolve the issue and ensure he receives a ceremonial, joyous send-off rather than an abrupt departure. Reports say the federation wants the discussions to provide a formal conclusion to his international career if that is the outcome.

Ronaldo featured for 67 minutes in Portugal’s opening 1-0 win over Wales, was an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory at Norway and then left the squad before the match against Denmark. His departure from the camp came after those back-to-back fixtures and before the next Nations League match.

Jorge Jesus addressed the situation while preparing for the next game, calling Ronaldo “a symbol of Portugal.” “I’m going to focus on the team, on the opponent which is Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe. That’s the problem right now,” said the 72-year-old coach. “I hope Cristiano does not leave the national team… and when or if he wants, it should be on a beautiful day to celebrate Cristiano; not like this”. “He deserves the best. Cristiano is the biggest icon of our football, our country”, told B24.

Portugal top Group A4 after three matches with nine points from nine. They will host Norway on Sunday and complete the group phase next month with a home game against Denmark on November 14 and an away match at Wales on November 17.